[tastewar]

So I hadn't used the mini in months due to failed HD. Just ordered a replacement for that, but the battery light wouldn't stop blinking as well. I took it out to look up the model # (W953G) and when I put it back, the lights started flashing like a police car and when I booted it, it said it didn't recognize the battery and therefore couldn't charge it! This is the original Dell battery! And I've read of issues with BIOS A06 not wanting to charge 3rd party batteries, but I'm running A04 and this is an original battery!

So I guess I need a new battery as well. Sigh. But has anyone else experienced problems with BIOS recognizing the original battery? Should I be worried that I have bigger problems that a dead battery?

I have two cases for this computer, and they're both snug, and I don't want to replace them, and I was happy with the original battery life. When you put all that together: I don't want a battery that is physically larger than the original.

Shopping around shows tons of replacements on eBay and elsewhere. Even one for $40 on Amazon that would ship free with my Prime.

Does anyone know of a reliable seller where I'm guaranteed to get fresh batteries?

Should I be OK with a 3rd party battery with A04? What am I missing out on from A06?

[holmes4]

The only source of 4-cell batteries I have seen is Dell - for $100 or so. I use a third-party 8-cell battery with BIOS A06 and it is fine, but you are correct that some don't work. The one I have is by "BetterPower" and sold by MyDigitalDiscount.com.

[tastewar]

Googling w953g shows a bunch of sources. I ordered one from Amazon:

Amazon.com: 14.80V,2600mAh,Li-ion,Replacement Laptop Battery for Dell Inspiron 910, mini 9, mini 9n, Compatible Part Numbers:312-0831, 451-10690, 451-10691, D044H, W953G: Electronics

Will try to remember to come back and post something when it arrives.

[lswartz]

One review says that it works, lets hope you can be the 2d review. Looks like a good price too.

[njmurvin]

Originally Posted by holmes4

The only source of 4-cell batteries I have seen is Dell - for $100 or so. I use a third-party 8-cell battery with BIOS A06 and it is fine, but you are correct that some don't work. The one I have is by "BetterPower" and sold by MyDigitalDiscount.com.

I had the Betterpower 8 cell battery. It died just after the warranty expired (~7mo). MDD did nothing but offer to sell me another one. I went back to the OEM.

[tastewar]

No joy -- what I received was an 8 cell. I complained to Amazon, returned it, they shipped another, and guess what -- another 8 cell. Sigh... returned that as well.

Awaiting delivery Monday of one of these:

W953G ACCESSORIES BATTERY INSPIRON DELL

Hopefully it will turn out to be a real 4 cell battery

[tastewar]

OK, so the battery arrived. It is indeed a 4-cell, and in fact has a Dell nameplate on it. Looks genuine. Site said it was new, too. It's in and charging now. I am hopeful. Also, it was $38 when I bought it; $45 now.

[goducks3620]

I've got one of these 4-cells on the way from Laptopmate via Amazon. We'll see.

w ww.amazon.com/Anker-Laptop-Battery-Inspiron-2200mAh/dp/B0054OCXNE/

If it works, $20 is a steal. And it's the same size as the original from the pics. I'm still on BIOS1, I've never upgraded.

[tastewar]

That would be quite a deal. Hope it works out!

[goducks3620]

My wife said it arrived at the house today, so I'll know soon enough. BTW that site you bought from in post #6 is out of stock and don't know if they will get more, which is what prompted me to keep digging around.